Supplementation with CoQ10 reduces the risk of developing pre-eclampsia in women at risk for the condition.

Background The nutritional traffic light label (NTLL) has become one of the most used Front of Package labels (FOP’s) around the world, for its simple and easy to understand graphical system. In Ecuador, this labelling system has recently been implemented; then, this research aims to evaluate the use and knowledge of NTLL and its effectiveness as a public health promotion strategy. Method In a cross-sectional study at two different urban supermarkets in Quito-Ecuador, a survey was conducted in 73 participants to inquire about knowledge, perspectives and purchasing habits regarding the NTLL. Objective data obtained from pictures of the participants’purchase was compared with subjective data obtained from the survey. For categorical variables, Chi square or Fisher’s Exact test were used and variables with a statistical significance at α = 0.1 were included in multivariate logistic regression models. Results 88.7% of participants knew about the NTTL. 27.4% reported using the NTLL, while 28.4% of participants were observed to really use it. Significant associations between self-knowledge of the NTLL and education level ( p = 0.007) or knowledge level ( p = 0.001) were found. A significant association was also found between the refered use of the NTLL and the shopping influencing factor ( p = 0.02). In the multivariate analysis an association between knowledge of the NTLL and observed use was found only when adjusted for the supermarket ( p = 0.038). Conclusion This study found that the level of knowledge of the NTLL in the studied population was relatively high; however, both the referred and the observed use of the NTLL were low. Use and knowledge of the NTLL were associated with the socioeconomic and educational status of the participants. Thus, the change in nutritional patterns needs additional strategies to put the NTLL before the brand once customers make their purchases.

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy constitute one of the main causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality across the world and particularly in developing countries such as Ecuador. However, despite its impact on public health, the primary pathophysiological processes involved are yet to be elucidated. It has been proposed, among other theories, that an abnormal placentation may induce an endothelial dysfunction, which is ultimately responsible for the final clinical manifestations. Mitochondria, particularly from trophoblastic cells, are responsible for the production of energy, which is extremely important for normal placentation. The malfunction in this supply of energy may produce higher levels of free radicals. In both production of energy and free radicals, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a crucial role in electron transport. As such, the role of CoQ10 in the genesis and prevention of preeclampsia has become the focus of a number of research groups, including that of the authors. Developing an in-depth understanding of these mechanisms might allow us to design new and feasible strategies with which we can reduce preeclampsia, particularly in the Latin-American countries.

Background: It is well known that people living with HIV (PLWH) is in higher risk for the development of depression and it has also been suggested that the use of efavirenz into the antiretroviral regimens increases even that risk. Objective: To evaluate the effect of efavirenz-containing antiretroviral regimens on the development of depression in newly ART initiated HIV patients in Ecuador. Methods: In a prospective cohort study from June 2016 to May 2017, all newly HIV diagnosed patients at the HIV/AIDS Unit of the Hospital Eugenio Espejo in Quito, Ecuador were evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression followed by a second assessment 8-12 weeks after antiretroviral therapy containing efavirenz was initiated. Results: A total of 79 patients, mainly males younger than 35 years were studied. Majority of them were on TDF/FTC/ EFV. Initial score in Hamilton Rating Scale revealed that less than 30% had no depression symptoms while almost 40% had mild depression. However, in the second assessment, 22.6% of the subjects had a score in the Hamilton Rating Scale compatible with severe or very severe depression (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.28; p = 0.05). Conclusion: In our cohort study, depression was much higher in patients on Efavirenz-containing treatments. Therefore, assessment for depression must be essential as part of follow-up in these patients.